People give a lot of different hearts on Valentine's Day. But no heart is more important than your own. It is a gift that keeps giving as long as you take care of it.

Called a month for lovers and friends, February is also American Heart Month. This annual observance promotes heart health awareness and disease prevention.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three deaths occur from heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Heart disease impacts everyone, but you can play a role in its prevention. Protect yourself from heart attack and stroke by understanding your risks.

Celebrate American Heart Month by adopting healthy lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet. Here are three more awesome ways to love your heart.

1. Eat Your Chocolates

Did you get a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day? Go ahead and eat those chocolates. Nutritionists say they are good for your heart health.

Flavonols improve cardiovascular function. Their antioxidant effects reduce the cell damage that is common in heart disease.

Dark chocolate is the best source for flavonols. Chocolates with at least 65 percent pure cocoa have the most impact on vascular health.

Their heart-healthy properties reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improve blood flow to the heart and brain.

According to the Mayo Foundation for Education and Research, chocolate may also reduce your risk of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

However, nutritionists recommend eating chocolate in moderation. In addition to healthy flavonols, many commercial chocolates are high in sugar, fat, and calories.

2. Get Your Move On

Your heart muscle requires strength training just like your abs, biceps, hamstrings, and other muscles. According to WebMD Medical Reference, an inactive lifestyle is a top risk factor for heart disease.

A -- Aspirin for people at risk. Ask your doctor if you should take an aspirin every day. Low-dose aspirin therapy may prevent heart attack and stroke, especially if you smoke or have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Check your blood pressure regularly, and do what you can to keep it under control. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor can prescribe medications.

C -- Cholesterol management. Healthy cholesterol is a good thing; it builds new cells, insulates nerves, and produces hormones. However, you can have too much of a good thing.

Excess cholesterol can build up in your arteries and cause a heart disease called atherosclerosis. If a blockage cuts off your blood supply, you can have a heart attack.

S -- Smoking cessation. Most people associate cigarette smoking with lung disease, but 20 percent of heart disease deaths in the United States are related to smoking. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to love your heart.

Your Turn

What steps will you take to love your heart? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your social networks.